Definitions

time was

ADJECTIVE

past

Synonyms

STRONGEST

earlier early late old preceding previous prior recent

STRONG

ancient bygone latter over

WEAK

ages ago ancient history back when behind one bypast down memory lane erstwhile ex- foregoing gone-by good old days latter-day long-ago olden days once one-time quondam retired sometime way back way back when

Antonyms

STRONGEST

after current future later on time

STRONG

modern new

WEAK

present

ADVERB

ago

Synonyms

WEAK

ages ago back back when before from way back from year one gone since since God knows when

ADVERB

formerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already earlier heretofore once

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a while back aforetime anciently at one time away back back back when before before now before this down memory lane eons ago erewhile in former times in the olden days in the past lately long ago of old of yore olden days once upon a time radically some time ago used to be water under the bridge

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future presently subsequently

ADVERB

once

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already before earlier formerly late previously

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a single time at one time away back back back when but once bygone heretofore in the old days in the olden days in times gone by in times past long ago old on one occasion once only once upon a time one one time before one time previously only one time quondam sometime this time whilom

Antonyms

STRONGEST

currently future later presently

ADVERB

previously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already formerly heretofore hitherto long ago once then

STRONG

antecedently

WEAK

a while ago ahead ante at one time away back back back when before beforehand erstwhile fore forward in advance in anticipation in days gone by in the past precedently until now

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future later presently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Ecuador could not earn shots on target and time was running out during the second half, Piero Hincapié ran toward forward Santi Giménez and covered his mouth while speaking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

However, now that her children are getting older, she revealed that she felt like the time was right for her to return to the set.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

His response at the time was more light-hearted, though.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

McAfee saw an opportunity, and he wasn’t subtle about it on the website for his farm, which at the time was called Organic Pastures.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

A half hour of that time was filled with a speech from Dad, explaining to Javier and me how we needed to stop squabbling, be kind, and work hard.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

time was

Example Sentences

Related Words